Love what you do. Follow your dreams. Dare to believe in yourself! About the artist: What kind of music do I write? "Country and rock" in style and "motivation to succeed" in content. My goal is to create popular country or rock songs that have the personal empowerment messages so catchy they stick in your head like a pop tune that you couldn't forget if you tried. This way they become affirmations, mantras, anthems, etc. I want these to be feel-good songs that psych you up, focus you to believe in yourself, and to follow your dreams as I am following mine. I was born in New York and raised in South Florida, listening to the big band sounds my parents had on the phonograph, as well as 50s-80s rock and classic country. At 8 my dad bought an organ, and I learned music theory. At 16 I picked up a guitar. During my senior year in High School, I also took voice lessons, and during my first year in college in North Carolina I learned the banjo. Eventually, I earned five college degrees, in Photography, Cinematography, Radio & TV Broadcasting, Business Administration, and AA credits in both Theatre and Psychology. I've done boat sales, multilevel marketing, and now credit card processing, which I still do in addition to owning property. But thanks to the inspiration of the subject of my first song, I am now back to doing what I love, which is all the creative arts. I'm writing stories, lyrics, songs, and will be getting back to acting also. In my spare time, I look for adventurous stuff to do. Hang gliding, sky diving, bungee jumping, swimming with the dolphins, courses in stunt driving, and even hypnosis among other things. If its fun, I'm there! The future is bright! Stay tuned! You can learn even more about me at: http://www.dannymichaelsmusic.com Danny Michaels The Genesis of "Thank You, Miley Ray" Some things we can be told 100 different ways by 100 different people in 100 different circumstances and we still don't get it. Then someone leads by example and the truth hits us like a freight train. I had made a dying-wish promise to my mom to continue her business. Watching Miley live her dreams made me realize I was living my parent's dreams rather than my own. It's time to start living for myself. On Oscar night Miley's interview with Barbara Walters also aired. I was so inspired the lyrics literally leaped from my mind onto the page. In many ways, completing this song is a catharsis for me. It reopens the creative part of my life that has been closed for decades. The ultimate test of music is the effect it has on the listener. I hope you can take something from these lyrics too, as well as an appreciation for this extraordinary young lady.